Final agreement signed retiring Fighting Sioux imagery and removing UND from non-compliance listPosted on 9/26/2012

For More Information Contact:Linda Donlin, Director of Communications and Media RelationsNorth Dakota University SystemPhone: 701.328.2962E-mail: linda.donlin@ndus.edu

BISMARCK - North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem on behalf of the State of North Dakota today signed a final agreement with the National Collegiate Athletic Association that will officially return the University of North Dakota to full compliance with NCAA policies. The agreement specifies details of items that may remain in the Ralph Engelstad Arena and the adjacent Betty Englestad Sioux Center at UND and those that must be removed.

"We truly appreciate Attorney General Stenehjem's efforts and would like to thank him for his diligence in bringing this issue to a collaborative conclusion that allows us to move forward in a positive way," said Duaine Espegard, president of the State Board of Higher Education.

The agreement states that the items currently located at the Engelstad Arena and Center may remain indefinitely, except for the carpet, which must be replaced and the end of its useful life, and the outside "Home of the Fighting Sioux" signage, which must be replaced as soon as practicable.

In addition, a commemorative wall depicting the history of the Sioux Nation and its contribution to UND and the State of North Dakota will be established in the facility with no concerns about violating NCAA policies. The Sioux Nation will be consulted in developing the commemorative wall.

"We would also like to give credit and thanks to our past Board President Grant Shaft and the entire State Board of Higher Education for leading us through the many challenges we faced regarding this issue," said Ham Shirvani, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. "We are pleased to bring this matter to closure."